Microsoft to Launch Xbox 360 Games for PC and Future Consoles
WHO:
The Verge - Microsoft is the organization involved in the plans to bring Xbox 360 games to PC.
The Verge - Developers will have the option to make Xbox 360 games backward compatible.
WHAT:
TechPowerUp - Microsoft's internal roadmap indicates that the Xbox Backwards Compatibility program on PC will be fully released by October 2026, allowing gamers to play original Xbox titles on their PC through Game Pass or the Xbox Store.
The Verge - Developers will have control over aspects such as a game’s price and its availability on Game Pass when opting into backward compatibility for Xbox 360 games.
Engadget - Microsoft plans to bring Xbox 360 games to PC.
Techmeme - The Xbox 360 games will also run on the next-gen Project Helix console, “Xbox PCs,” and handheld devices.
The Verge - The feature for backward compatibility is expected to have a “gradual” rollout between 2027 and 2028 across next-gen devices.
The Verge - The “full launch” of original Xbox games on PC is set for October 2026.
The Verge - The initial program announced in July included just four games.
The Verge - A public beta for the disc-to-digital program was set for July with general availability set for August.
WHERE:
The Verge - The changes will affect Xbox devices, including Xbox One and Series consoles.
WHEN:
The Verge - The full launch of original Xbox games on PC is scheduled for October 2026.
The Verge - The general availability of the disc-to-digital program was set for August.
WHY:
The Verge - The initiative aims to build a broader Xbox library that can travel between devices, similar to Steam.
The Verge - The changes are part of Microsoft’s strategy for a future of consoles without disc drives.
HOW:
The Verge - The disc-to-digital program allows players to obtain a digital version of a game they own on a physical disc by inserting the disc into an Xbox One or Series X console with a disc drive, which grants a digital license that remains with the player’s account. If the disc changes hands, the license will transfer to the new owner.
The Verge - Players can obtain a digital version of a game they own on a physical disc by inserting the disc into an Xbox One or Series X console with a disc drive, which grants a digital license bound to the disc and the player’s account.
(UPDATED August 4, 2026 04:10 UTC)
Microsoft's internal roadmap reveals that the Xbox Backwards Compatibility program on PC is set for full release by October 2026, enabling gamers to enjoy original Xbox titles through Game Pass or the Xbox Store. Developers will have the ability to control various aspects, including pricing and availability on Game Pass, when they choose to opt in for backward compatibility with Xbox 360 games. Additionally, the disc-to-digital program allows players to convert their physical disc games into digital versions by simply inserting the disc into an Xbox One or Series X console, ensuring that the digital license stays with the player's account even if the disc is sold or given away.
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(UPDATED August 3, 2026 18:40 UTC)
Microsoft is set to launch original Xbox games on PC in October 2026, as part of a broader initiative to enhance the Xbox library across devices. The company also plans to make Xbox 360 games backward compatible, with a gradual rollout expected between 2027 and 2028, affecting Xbox One and Series consoles. Players will be able to convert physical disc games into digital versions by inserting the disc into an Xbox console with a disc drive, allowing them to access their games on multiple platforms.